Technology
The secret text code every family needs for crises or dangerous situations
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When my son, Ian, was 3, I bought him a cellphone. It had three buttons: “Call Mom,” “Call Dad” and “Call Grandma.” He was young, but it helped us feel better he could reach us in case of an emergency.
There may be situations where your child, partner or parent can’t make a phone call. Or, worse, they could have someone looking over their shoulder when they text. That’s when a secret emoji could save the day.
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It’s a way to ask for help quickly and you can do this without alerting anyone, unlike if you made a phone call. I’ve shared this with my family, too, so we’re all on the same page.
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A woman uses her cellphone while on her laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why an emoji?
These little images are worth a thousand words, especially if they’re part of an inside joke with family and friends.
In an emergency, an emoji is a lot less conspicuous than a word or phrase. If your kiddo can’t call you or someone’s watching them text, an emoji can serve as the perfect (private) distress signal.
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Which should you pick?
Make sure it’s easy to remember — but not one your family usually uses in conversation. That’s going to cause unnecessary confusion and concern. Don’t use commonly used emojis, like hearts or smiley faces.
Here are 10 emojis that could be used as a secret signal in case of an emergency:
Ten emojis that could be used as a secret signal in case of an emergency.
How to have the talk
Don’t just mention this in passing. Have a formal sit-down to discuss the plan. Make sure everyone knows your family emoji should only be used in emergencies — no funny business.
Explain which responses anyone should expect from you if they use it. When they send you the emoji, will you follow up with a phone call? If so, what will you say?
Let’s say your teen texts you the giraffe
He went to a party at a friend’s house. Things there are making him uncomfortable. He wants to leave. You can text him back the giraffe, which means you’re on your way to get him.
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If you don’t know where he is, look him up on the Find My app (Apple) or Family Link app (Android). Depending on the situation, you may want to consider contacting the authorities or reaching out to other trusted adults nearby.
What about your parents? They can text you an emoji if a caregiver is less than caring and can’t talk around that person. Make it a point to revisit your plan every three months. Set up a family meeting once or twice a year to review so it becomes natural in a real emergency.
Different emojis are shown on a tablet. (Jörg Carstensen/picture alliance via Getty Images)
If you need more help talking to your kiddos about tech, check out my free kids and parents tech contract. And be sure to share this with anyone in your life that has little ones around.
Keep your tech-know going
My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.
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Do you know what it stands for? Plus, Drew Barrymore fell for a catfishing scam. Also, an AI-created ad targeting Hamas somehow lands on Hulu — we’ll dive into that. Ever wonder what it’s like to work for Bill Gates? I’ve got some insider info.
Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”
Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.
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Philips Hue products don’t often see major discounts, which makes this year’s Prime Day deals especially notable. Prices have dropped significantly across much of the company’s smart lighting lineup, with deals on everything from smart bulb starter kits and sleep lamps to smart buttons. If you’ve been thinking about investing in Philips Hue, now is one of the best opportunities we’ve seen all year to do so for less.
Update, June 26th: Updated prices and availability and added a couple of deals, including a discount for the Philips Hue Bridge.
Waymo is recalling 3,871 robotaxis after software issues allowed some vehicles to enter closed freeway construction zones. The company has restricted freeway operations while deploying a fix. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
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Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
– Waymo recalls robotaxis over construction-zone risk
– Reporter’s Notebook: Lawmakers wrestle over whether AI can make the grade in America’s classrooms
– OPINION: China is building an AI war machine. Washington must wake up before it’s too late
CONES IGNORED: Waymo has filed a voluntary recall affecting 3,871 vehicles equipped with its 5th Generation Automated Driving System. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the software may allow a Waymo vehicle to enter a closed freeway construction zone and continue driving.
OPINION: On June 24, OpenAI unveiled its first custom-built inference chip, developed with Broadcom and known internally as “Jalapeño.” Most Americans will never see it. Yet Beijing certainly noticed. The announcement signals that the contest between America and China has moved beyond software and chatbots into a struggle for control of the infrastructure that will shape economic, military and technological power in the 21st century.
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: Reading. Writing. And AI algorithms. The Senate is now wrestling with how students — and teachers — might use artificial intelligence in the classroom. It’s inevitable. “The question is not whether AI is going to impact education. The real question is whether we will shape its use thoughtfully. Responsibly,” said Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten during a recent Senate hearing.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced a review of the agency’s E-Rate program, citing concerns about excessive screen time in schools. (Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
SEE THAT?: Meta Wearables VP Alex Himel discusses the newly launched Meta Smart Glasses, highlighting their AI capabilities, accessible price point of $299, and the design collaboration with Kylie Jenner on “The Claman Countdown.”
TECH TITAN: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella issued a warning that the tech giants competing in the AI race need to ensure they advance the emerging tech in a way that’s palatable to the public.
BOTS MEET BOUNDARIES: NVIDIA, a technology company known for AI computing and robotics systems, has introduced NVIDIA Halos for Robotics. The company calls it the industry’s first full-stack, comprehensive safety system for robotics and physical AI.
NVIDIA introduced Halos for Robotics, a full-stack safety system designed to help robots operate more safely alongside people in industrial workplaces. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)
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